What exactly is Milk Thistle and do you recommend taking it?

Question

Recently,

One of my friends told me about milk thistle and how it cleanses your liver from impurities? However, I read online that it is not approved by FDA, and then that if could be potentially harmful. I was wondering if anyone had anymore information on it or personal experiences while taking it?

Answer 1

I've taken it off and on for a while. I usually take it when I drink too much and need to give my liver some help! I use the brand Solaray. It fits the stregnth of what I read to be right per day. It will not harm you if you follow the label dirsctions. Asprin or any FDA approved drug could harm you, too! Milk thistle is even listed in Davis's Drug Guide. It is used for: cirrhosis, hepatitis, gallstones, mushroom poisoning antidote, and liver toxicity. The only listed adverse effects are: laxative effect, nausea, and allergic reactions. Dosage for adults is: 420mg/day containing 70-80% Silymarin (the active component of the plant). Drink water too, to cleanse. This should help, I hope!

Answer 2

Milk thistle, also known as carduus (or silbum) marianum, holy thistle, legalon, silybin, silymarin, among other names, is an herbal supplement which is often described as a liver detoxification remedy.  

It has reported uses for alcohol-induced liver disease, cancer prevention, gallbladder disease, chronic and acute hepatitis, high cholesterol, jaundice, Amanita phalloides mushroom toxicity, pleurisy, prostate cancer, and diseases of the spleen.

It is not FDA approved for any indication and there is not substantial proof that it is effective for any of these uses.  However, small studies (including my own unpublished/uncontrolled/unblinded trial in medical school) have shown that it may help to reduce symptoms of hangover, but not as much as water, sleep, and the occasional small dose of NSAIDs.

Taking herbal remedies, or any medication for that matter, that are unproven and not extensively studied can have serious side-effects, especially in patients with co-existing medical conditions, taking other medications, or mixing them with drugs or alcohol (even for hangovers).  

This particular supplement is generally benign, but can cause GI upset, (severe or mild) allergic reactions, low blood sugar, impotence, rash, and joint pains.  

Medication interactions are common and caused by altered liver metabolism.